The rest is history -- except for Huard, 33, who has resurfaced in Kansas City since taking over for injured starter Trent Green in the season opener. Despite not completing a pass in his last five seasons, the perennial backup is 5-2 as a starter, including three victories in a row in which the Chiefs have averaged 32 points a game.

Huard never doubted his ability while mostly holding a clipboard instead of a football since 2001.

"I've always believed in myself and believed that I could play in this league and win football games if my number was called," said Huard, who is 10-3 as a starter, including 5-1 with the Dolphins (1997-2000).

"I kept that attitude all along, and I think that's helped prepare me for this situation and this opportunity."

He refuses to hold a grudge against Wannstedt for not choosing him despite winning four of the five games he started for an injured and ineffective Marino (nerve damage in neck) in the '99 season.

"I'm not one to really look back on the past, but certainly that was something that I hoped that I would've gotten that job," said Huard, who has thrown 11 touchdowns with one interception and has compiled a 100 or better passer rating in all five victories.

"For some reason or another, it didn't happen and that's the way it is."

As he prepares for an unfamiliar Dolphins team Sunday with only Zach Thomas, Jason Taylor and Olindo Mare remaining from his South Florida tenure, Huard enters as the NFL's second-ranked quarterback behind Colts star Peyton Manning.

"He's managing the game well, not trying to do too much and letting his playmakers play for him," Taylor said. "I'm happy for him."

Despite his success, Huard once again finds himself embroiled in a quarterback controversy as Green is nearly recovered from a concussion. Chiefs coach Herman Edwards has begun to waffle on his original stance that had Green returning as soon as he was healthy.

"Damon's been a patient soldier," Edwards said. "He's really kind of the poster child for your backup players to tell them, `OK, when you have a chance you've got to go in and play.' He's gone in and taken advantage of the situation, and it's helped us win a lot of games."

It doesn't hurt that Huard is surrounded by stars such as running back Larry Johnson, tight end Tony Gonzalez and guard Will Shields.

"I just try to go out there and keep the ship going," Huard said.

Johnson, now spending Sundays talking football for Fox-TV, inferred Wednesday that he wanted to stick with Huard when Marino was due back but realized the public outcry would've been deafening. A rusty Marino came back to an 8-2 team and finished 9-7.

"When you have a hot hand, a quarterback who is winning games, you've got to stay with him," Johnson said about Huard during a Fox-TV midseason conference call. "I don't buy into the, `You don't lose the position due to injury.' You play the player that gives you the best chance to win."

Former Dolphins receiver Oronde Gadsden (1998-03) said he and his teammates all expected Huard to start.

"That was a shocker," Gadsden said of Wannstedt's decision. "We all thought that would happen because Damon paid his dues and was being groomed for that position, learning from Dan."